Witnessing a kitten born with a cleft lip, or cleft palate, is a truly rare occurrence. Such a condition can pose significant challenges for these tiny felines, particularly when it comes to eating. However, one special little cat has shown incredible determination in the face of this adversity, thanks to the love and support of shelter staff.
Earlier this month, the Alley Cat Rescue in Los Angeles received a distress call about an abandoned kitten. This poor little soul was discovered all by himself, entangled in electrical wires outside an office building, with no sign of his mother anywhere.
When the rescuers arrived at the scene, they quickly noticed something unique about this kitten. “We could see he had a cleft lip and knew he needed help. He was immediately taken to our vet for a thorough examination,” they explained.
Back at the shelter, they decided to name him Frito and estimated his age to be around 8 weeks. However, at a mere 400 grams, it was clear that he was severely undernourished. Frito’s cleft lip made it evident that he struggled to eat properly, and he also suffered from flea infestations and parasites.
Despite his challenging start in life, Frito demonstrated an overwhelming need for love and affection, particularly enjoying cuddles from the shelter staff. The team paid meticulous attention to his dietary needs, providing him with the necessary support and encouragement. “He is able to eat and loves his food, but he is definitely underweight, so we are increasing his intake very slowly,” they reported.
Once Frito was free from fleas and parasites, he had the opportunity to meet some of the other cats at the shelter. It was during this time that he encountered Bubblegum, a significantly larger alley cat who took an instant liking to Frito. The two became inseparable, engaging in lively play-fighting sessions and sharing cozy naps.
Frito’s transformation since entering the shelter has been truly remarkable. This tiny kitten, with his larger-than-life personality, is no longer alone. He continues to gain weight and grow each day, all while blossoming into an incredible little character. In the near future, Frito will have the chance to socialize with other kittens his age.
The heartwarming story of Frito’s resilience serves as a touching reminder of the incredible work done by animal rescuers, who provide a lifeline to vulnerable creatures like him.
